🦑 VENTURE FORUMS & BUSINESS ANGELS IN SPAIN

Selena Sabs
Apr 25
3 min read

If ENISA is your first step into public funding,then venture forums and angel investor networks are your gateway to private capital.Especially if you’re in Barcelona and already have an MVP, clients, or early traction.

📌 Where to find funding: proven forums and networks

These are not conferences — they are curated investor-founder matchmaking events.

You pitch → they ask → you get invited for a follow-up → the process begins.

🗣️ Most of them operate in English, regardless of your citizenship.

🥇 Top Forums & Angel Networks

1. ESADE BAN

Focus: High-potential tech startups — mostly B2B, SaaS, healthtech, and proptech

Model: Angel investor network run by ESADE Alumni

Average ticket: €130K

Participation: Application → pitch selection → investor demo day

📌 Recent investments:

29 deals in 2024, across healthtech, real estate, and SaaS
Average startup valuation: €1.8M
One recent deal: Barcelona-based rental automation platform

💡 Note: ESADE BAN is one of the oldest and most active angel networks in Spain.

Frequently co-invests with funds and mentors teams

.🔗 esadealumni.net

2. IESE Business Angels Network

Focus: Diverse sectors — healthtech, logistics, consumer tech, fintech

Model: University-based network from IESE Business School

Average ticket: €100K–€150K

Participation: Application → review committee → pitch session

📌 Recent investments:

37 deals in the last 24 months, totaling €4.6M
Often backs startups also applying for ENISA

💡 Note:Focuses on founders with international potential and ethical vision. Open to follow-on rounds.

🔗 iese.edu

3. EconomistesBAN

Focus: Local startups with economic or social impact across industries

Model: Catalan network run by the Association of Economists

Average ticket: €50K–€300K

Participation: Online application → committee review → pitch day

📌 Recent investments:

Funded edtech and foodtech projects in 2024
Often co-invests with BANC and Catalan accelerators

💡 Note:Ideal for small-scale, early-stage startups focused on regional impact.

🔗 economistesban.com

4. Keiretsu Forum Spain

Focus: Healthtech, cleantech, consumer tech, industrial tech

Model: Spanish branch of a global angel investor network

Average ticket: €100K–€500K

Participation: Strict screening, apply via form or intro

📌 Recent investments:

AI-powered industrial optimization tools
Spanish startup in digital pathology

💡 Note:Best fit for startups with traction and revenue. Members often syndicate investments.

🔗 keiretsuforum.com/chapters/spain

5. SeedRocket

Focus: Tech-first startups — SaaS, e-commerce, AI

Model: Accelerator + investor club

Average ticket: €100K–€300K

Participation: Must complete SeedRocket’s acceleration program

📌 Recent investments:

PropTech platform automating rental management
Healthtech startup based in Valencia

💡 Note:Investment is only offered to graduates of the SeedRocket accelerator. High mentoring value and seed syndicates.

🔗 seedrocket.org

6. BANC (Business Angels Network Catalunya)

Focus: Early-stage, tech, and socially impactful startups

Model: Public-private partnership, ENISA-friendly

Average ticket: €100K–€400K

Participation: Application → mentoring → pitch

📌 Recent investments:

Co-investments with ACCIÓ and ENISA
Circular economy, e-health, B2B startups

💡 Note:Great entry point for founders in Catalonia. Often works hand-in-hand with public programs.

🔗 bancat.com

HOW TO APPLY AND GET SELECTED

📝 1. Prepare a solid one-pager– Clear: who you are, what you solve, traction, ask– Format: PDF with contact + deck link

🧠 2. Create a sharp pitch deck– Problem → Solution → Market → Model → Traction → Team → Metrics → Ask– 7–10 slides– In English– Financial model upon request

📩 3. Apply via website– Or via warm intro (ideally from a mentor)– Clearly state your stage (pre-seed / seed / growth)– Define your use of funds

🚫 Common mistakes that kill interest

🔻 Too abstract:Investors want to know how you make money, who pays you, and how you reach them.

🔻 “No competitors” slide:Wrong. That means you didn’t do the research. Always show 2–3 alternatives and your clear edge.

🔻 Vague ask:Saying “we want €300K” isn’t enough. Break it down: what for, how long, expected results.

✅ Pre-forum checklist

✔ Spanish or EU-registered company

✔ MVP or early revenue/pilot

✔ Complete deck + one-pager

✔ Clear ask (amount, terms: equity, SAFE, convertible)

✔ Know your numbers: CAC, LTV, MRR, churn, runway

🧠 Final word for founders:

Private funding isn’t luck — it’s the next step after validation.Forums are a filter, but you can pass it even as a first-timer — if you’re ready and know how to communicate value.The founder who knows exactly why they need funding is already halfway to getting the check.